3 Hour Private Trike Tours of Madeira Island

Getting around Madeira Island can be tricky if you’re relying solely on taxis or buses — but what if you could see the island’s highlights on a fun, personalized ride? That’s exactly what the 3 Hour Private Trike Tour offers. With a focus on flexibility, scenic views, and local experiences, this tour provides an engaging way to soak up Madeira’s beauty without the usual crowded group experience.

What really caught our eye is how this tour puts you in the driver’s seat — well, almost. It’s a private experience, so you control the pace and route, making it perfect for travelers looking for something intimate and customizable. Plus, with excellent reviews praising knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery, it’s clear that many visitors find this a worthwhile way to explore.

One thing to consider is that the tour is weather-dependent, so if the skies turn cloudy or rainy, your experience might change or be canceled. Still, for those willing to embrace the elements, it’s a fantastic way to see the island’s highlights in just a few hours. This is ideal for travelers who love adventure, want to avoid large groups, and are eager to discover Madeira’s sights through its winding roads and scenic viewpoints.

If you’re after an authentic, flexible, and fun way to see Madeira’s most scenic spots, this private trike tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: As a private tour, you choose your routes and pace, making it a tailored adventure.
• Stunning Views: Stops like Cabo Girao and Nuns Valley offer some of the most impressive vistas on the island.
• Local Insights: Guides are knowledgeable, sharing stories about each site, from Winston Churchill’s paintings to local beer and wine tastings.
• Comfort & Convenience: Equipment like helmets and jackets are provided, and pickup from your hotel is included.
• Flexible Itineraries: Several route options are available, and you can decide what interests you most on the day.
• Value for Money: At around $183 for your group of up to two people, it combines exclusivity with a comprehensive experience.

The Experience in Detail: What You Can Expect

Start Point and Overall Setup

The tour begins at the Pestana Carlton Madeira in Funchal, a well-known hotel that makes meeting easy. The tour lasts around three hours, with the flexibility to customize routes based on your preferences. Bookings are generally made about 45 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

The Highlights: Stops and Sights

Cabo Girao

The first stop is the iconic Cabo Girao, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. While admission isn’t included, the view from this vantage point is breathtaking. You’ll see why it’s a favorite photo spot — sheer drops into the ocean and sweeping vistas.

Nuns Valley and Volcano Views

Next, your guide takes you to Nuns Valley, some 1,089 meters above sea level. The views here are absolutely worth the ride — flanked by lush greenery and dramatic crater-like landscapes. The area’s famous for its chestnuts, and if you’re a beer fan, a quick stop for a local chestnut beer is a fun addition. The guide explains the area’s volcanic origins, giving you context beyond just the scenery.

Cristo Rei Statue & Câmara de Lobos

Another popular stop is the Cristo Rei statue, which offers panoramic views of Funchal and the harbor. The drive to the statue itself is short but scenic, giving you a chance to appreciate the island’s rugged coastline. If time permits, you can head to Câmara de Lobos, a charming fishing village that inspired Winston Churchill’s paintings. Many reviewers mention the allure of this colorful harbor and the chance to indulge in local drinks or wine tastings.

Ponta do Sol & West Coast Beauty

The final stretch takes you past Ribeira Brava and into the Ponta do Sol area, known for its old tunnels, waterfalls, and mountain roads. You might stop for a coffee at Madalena do Mar beach, a quiet spot to unwind. The route along the coast is full of photo opportunities, with the chance to experience Madeira’s picturesque scenery up close.

The Guide and Personal Touch

Reviewers consistently praise the guides, mentioning that they are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share stories about the island’s history and culture. Garth, in particular, gets special mention for being an excellent guide who made the trip both informative and enjoyable. The personalized approach means you get tailored suggestions, whether it’s stopping for local beer or exploring specific viewpoints longer.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides helmets and jackets, which are crucial for comfort and safety, especially since Madeira’s weather can be variable. The free wine tasting is a highlight, allowing you to sample local Madeira wines, a perfect way to unwind after some scenic riding.

However, other drinks are not included and will be at your own cost. Admission tickets for attractions like Cabo Girao or Cristo Rei are not included but are generally affordable and optional.

The Practicalities

Pickup is available from any hotel or port in Funchal, adding to the convenience. The tour starts at 10:30 am, a good time to beat the crowds and make the most of daylight. The activity is suitable for most travelers aged 4 and above, which makes it family-friendly if everyone can handle the ride.

Is It Worth The Price?

At $183.42 for up to two people, this private trike tour offers a personalized, flexible, and scenic way to experience Madeira. When you consider that large group tours often lack intimacy and customization, this private experience shines. The guide’s local knowledge, combined with stunning viewpoints and the chance to enjoy local wines, provides good value for those seeking an authentic, relaxed exploration.

Authenticity and Comfort

Knowing you’re riding a trike rather than a bus or car makes the experience more fun and intimate. Many reviews mention how much they preferred this over traditional sightseeing, feeling they could truly take in the scenery at their own pace.

Flexibility & Customization

The ability to choose routes or pause for photos, local tastings, or simply soaking in the views makes this tour stand out. It’s particularly appealing for travelers who want to avoid rigid itineraries and instead craft their own day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy scenic drives, are comfortable on a trike or in good health, and want to avoid large, crowded tours. It’s ideal for couples or small groups wanting a private outing with a personal touch. Families with older children (over 4 years old) will also find it enjoyable, especially given the safety gear and flexible pace.

If you’re a wine enthusiast or simply love sampling local flavors, the included tastings add a perfect layer to your sightseeing. For those interested in photography, the stops at Cabo Girao, Nuns Valley, and Câmara de Lobos offer plenty of picture-perfect moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 4 years old can participate, provided they can handle the ride comfortably and safety gear is used.

What’s the average duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately three hours, including scenic stops, with the option to customize routes and timing.

Can I choose my routes or stops?
Yes, as a private tour, your guide will explain available options, and you can decide on the day what interests you most.

Are admission tickets included?
No, tickets for attractions like Cabo Girao or Cristo Rei are not included but are generally affordable. The tour focuses on the scenic experience and local interactions.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for the weather, plus helmets and jackets provided, are recommended. Madeira’s weather can change quickly, so bringing layers is wise.

Is pickup from the hotel included?
Yes, the guide will pick you up from any hotel or port in Funchal, making logistics easy.

What if the weather is poor?
Tours are weather-dependent; if canceled due to bad weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people can join?
The tour is designed for up to two people per trike, making it a very personal experience.

What’s the best time to book?
Booking about 45 days in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred date.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely, reviews mention guides like Garth as friendly, informative, and passionate about sharing the island’s stories.

Final Thoughts

The 3 Hour Private Trike Tour of Madeira offers a refreshing way to see the island without the constraints of large groups or rigid itineraries. It combines scenic beauty, local culture, and personalized service, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a more intimate exploration.

The experience’s flexibility means you can focus on the sights that matter most to you, whether it’s the dramatic cliffs at Cabo Girao, the lush crater of Nuns Valley, or the colorful fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. The inclusion of wine tastings and the chance to interact with knowledgeable guides makes it not just sightseeing but a true taste of Madeira life.

While weather can influence the experience, most reviews suggest it’s well worth booking for the chance to see Madeira from a different perspective — on the back of a trike, with wind in your hair and the Atlantic at your side. It’s a memorable way to make the most of your limited time on this beautiful island.

This tour suits adventurous spirits, small groups, or couples wanting a private, scenic ride with local flavor. It’s perfect for those who value flexibility, personalized service, and stunning vistas — all at an accessible price point.